The Junior Chamber String Orchestra of the Jozef Kresanek Art School in Bratislava was successful at the 71st European Music Festival for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium. The orchestra, conducted by Vlasta Velasova, won the first prize with the distinction "cum laude". The school's director, Miriam Trgova, told TASR. "The prize is awarded by a jury of experts for a performance rated between 90 and 97 per cent," Trgova pointed out. According to her, the festival is organised every year and vocal and instrumental groups alternate. This year, 60 orchestras from 12 countries performed and competed in six categories. "The expert jury appreciated the dramaturgy and difficulty of the repertoire, the culture of sound and the high level of performance of the ensemble," she added. Playing in an orchestra is a great experience for young people, she said. She noted that in addition to performance skills and experience, they also gain presentation and social skills in building relationships and a sense of collective responsibility.
Source: TASR
